Fox Island Bear News

Thank you for contacting the Washington State Department of
Fish and Wildlife, Enforcement Program.

Actually, WDFW has not received one bear complaint in Pierce
County (as of April 27, 2001). In extremely cold climates where there is heavy
snow, now would be the time you would see them. Normally bears become most
active during spring because they are just coming out of hibernation. They are
looking for quick food sources and are VERY hungry. However, our lowland bear
populations do not hibernate (depending on how bad the winter is).

Bears are opportunistic. The best thing to remember is always
keep garbage secured, don't feed your pets outside, remove bird feeders (bears
just love them), and keep the area around your house free from food articles
(compost, etc.).

Enforcement Program

Update - 9/24/00:There have been no new sightings of either the bear or the cougar for nearly
a month now. Perhaps the bear has gone into hibernation?

Cheryl Hoover, 8/26/00: I just returned from our daughter's house at the end of 12th Ct. There
was a bear ready to walk down their driveway!!! When it saw me, it went in the
woods at the end of the road. Either this is a different bear or the return of
our last one. Just want to warn everyone especially since there a quite a few
children on that road.

The "Fox Island Bear" was
featured in a Front Page story in the Tacoma News Tribune.

If a bear is threatening people or destroying property on the Gig Harbor side
of the Narrows,
Report your sighting to State Department of Fish and Wildlife officer Ted
Jackson by leaving a message for him through the State Patrol at
360-478-4646.

The "Fox Island Bear" looks for a snack... Photo by Dan
Stewart

Dan Stewart, 4/30/00:
We were truly excited to see a bear prints on our porch and then to see the bear
sorting out items in our garbage can. This was about 5PM 4-28-00 at our
place on Cedrona Bay. We called the Dept. of Wildlife and the person who
spoke to us suggested putting our garbage can in the garage for awhile. He
did not indicate any concern about the situation. The bear walked through
our daughter's raised garden beds and it punctured the garbage can, but in
exchange we really got a thrill. We shooed away a neighbor's dog and got
our cats in. The bear really shook our fig tree, apparently trying to
knock down the bird houses in it. Dan got some good photos with his
digital camera and in minutes had prints done using his computer.
Dan, Delores, and Lynn Stewart, Fox Island.

Bear Tips from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Thank you for contacting the Washington State Department of
Fish and Wildlife, Enforcement Program.

Yes, our officers are aware of the bear. We are monitoring the
situation so we can determine when he/she leaves the island.
Unfortunately, moving a culvert trap out there to relocate him is impossible
because of accessibility and proximity to people in the area. Officials
believe the bear will leave the island, but keep a close watch. If the
bear becomes aggressive, contact us immediately.

Isn't it amazing that right here in Washington, we have black
bears. Black bears are not known to be aggressive, such as their cousins, the
Grizzly bear. However, they are still considered wildlife. So, precautions need
to be taken.

Make sure you secure your garbage cans (bring in to the garage
if you have to) and don't feed your cats/dogs outside (also, don't leave food
outside). If you are outside and the bear is present, just walk away
slowly (facing the bear). Never turn your back on any wild animal.
Try not to make eye contact with the bear. Basically, just use your common
sense. Remember, you are in their environment. Bears have been here
long before humans, but now we have built houses, apartments, and buildings in
their habitat. We need to coexist because we all depend on one another.

If you have any more questions, or concerns, please don't
hesitate and send us another e-mail. We will be glad to help.

The Tacoma Pierce Co. Humane Society:

Humane Society said to leave the bear alone. Do not leave out any
dog food, bird seed, food scraps or garbage cans. If the bear continues to
find food to eat, he/she will continue to forage amongst the Island residents.

Bear Sightings

A large black bear has been sighted around Fox Island during the Spring of
2011. So far, no damage has been reported to animals or property by this
bear.

Cheryl Hoover, 4/28/00:
How about a "Island Wildlife" section? There have been several
sightings of a black bear on Fox Island the past week. Just last night it was in
our yard and stayed for a while.

I think it is just checking things out. He certainly is a beautiful creature!
Everyone should be aware that this big guy is here and children should also be
made aware.

In the 16 years that we have lived on Fox Island, this is only the second
time I have seen a bear. This is truly a rare site. Lets remember, these
creatures were here long before us. crhoover@harbornet.com

Moving on to greener pastures; 4/30/00The Bear by the Swing set, Drawing by Heather Ohlson, age 4

John & Lise' Ohlson, 4/30/00:
The infamous "Fox Island Bear" made his way to our yard today.
After hearing some crashing through the brush, he calmly wandered out into our
yard, walked past the kid's swing set, and up past the camper and then down the
driveway. We did manage to get a short video and some photos of it.

Feedback from Kelly Merriman, 4/28/00:
Hello,
Until today I was unaware that there were black bears on Fox Island. A bear
walked into my yard and proceeded to tear my bird feeder apart for the seed and
suet it contained. Other than that, no harm was done and after a picture the
bear moved on.

I am not sure how many Island residents know about or have
seen a bear on the Island. Am I alone? I wanted to let people know that there
are bears on the island and this bear was not afraid of me! My yells could not
deter his hunger! I was not sure where to inquire about this. Could you please
e-mail me with some info about our Island bears?
Thank you mbrewer@foxinternet.net
Robbing a bird feeder, on Old North Shore 4/29/00 - Bobbe
Richter

SueNBillD@aol.com 4/29/00:
Just looked at web site and saw the account of black bear tearing apart bird
feeder. Guess shouts didn't deter it. Another sighting was also
seen. Where were these sightings? And what is the solution? Perhaps the
next issue should have an article on this so we know if our deer here on the
island are in danger as well as the children that run and play here.
Having spent 12 years in Alaska one respects what a bear can do. Just had
friends have bear go through there windows and doors on cabin up in Alaska
looking for food. Once a bear finds food he will return. Just
curious about what others think. Guess I am a little spooked to be honest
here on my 3 acres with a lot of woods and lots of visits by my grandkids that
play so freely and go down a trail to the beach. That's all, hope to see
article in Flash about it. Love all creatures, not an animal hater at all
but want no one to get hurt. A friendly bear is not a good bear to have
around homes etc. Perhaps he will have to be relocated. What do you
hear from others?

We were in the driveway at The Barn Sale when a
neighbor, pointed out the bear.He came up the road
between us, meandered thru the yard then went down toward the Fox Island Bridge.
Like the others, we got cameras but were unable to get a photo. barnsale_2000@yahoo.com

I want in! What's for dinner? 4/29/00 - Bobbe
Richter

Cheryl Hoover 4/30/00:
A lot of people have seen this bear. He seems to be pretty mellow and only
looking for food. I would love to see someone put up pictures of this precious
creature on this site for all to enjoy. I tried to take pictures however, my
camera was nowhere to be found. I have since found it and have it hanging
on the stair banister. We live on Kamus down from the fire station and
have been visited twice now by this big guy. He seems to come visiting in
the evenings sometime after 5:00pm. I am so glad to see that other people
have have this bear visiting them also since people tend not to believe you when
you mention it.
Enjoy this rare experience.......

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